LETTER: Groups work toward peace

What a delightful decision there was to be made Tuesday night, here in San Angelo. A growing number of folks believe that one of the roads toward world peace lies in our willingness to welcome the spiritual backgrounds of people worldwide.

By educating ourselves about the practices and cultures of believers all over the world, we hope to move toward peace through love, respect and understanding.

Two separate series of events are being presented this month, one sponsored by the Peace Ambassadors of West Texas/Unity Church of Christianity, the other sponsored by ASU/San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts.

On Tuesday night, two events fell on the same night. I regret missing the film “Prince Among Slaves” at ASU, as I was enjoying the film “With One Voice” across town. In the film, leaders from 14 different spiritual traditions discussed their personal views about life, love, the existence of God, and paths toward peace. They ask us to look within our own hearts and listen deeply, then join earth’s conversation “with one voice.”

Season of Peace events continue through this week, including a Jewish service at Beth Israel Synagogue, 1825 W. Beauregard at 7 p.m. on Friday. A six-hour Buddhist Retreat on Sept. 21 at Unity Church is led by the Rev. Janie Kelley.

The Muslim Journeys series continues at ASU on Sept. 25 with an Arabic food tasting, followed by a literary event led by English professor Dr. Chris Ellery and students. The series culminates with the film “Islamic Art: Window To The Invisible World” on Oct. 1, led by museum director Howard Taylor.

San Angelo Faith Club is another avenue toward learning about all religions, including Christianity, through reading and discussion every Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church year-round.

All programs are free. Call 651-6830 (Unity Church) or 653-3333 (Art Museum) for more information.